Homer gives Giambi hope
Jason Giambi’s home run against Toronto resonated with the recovering slugger, his teammates and New York Yankees manager Joe Torre.
Giambi’s two-run, opposite-field drive in the second inning put the Yankees ahead to stay in Tuesday night’s 5-3 win, stopping a 0-for-32 slide. Giambi’s first homer since June 20 also gave him hope that he can play himself into shape to make New York’s postseason roster.
Torre hopes Giambi, who has fought to overcome a benign tumor and other ailments, can be his team’s designated hitter in the postseason — if not in the first round, perhaps in the league championship series if New York advances.
Rangers drop appeals; suspensions reduced
Texas relievers Frank Francisco, Doug Brocail and Carlos Almanzar dropped their appeals of suspensions that stemmed from the altercation with fans near the Rangers bullpen in Oakland, Calif., last week.
Each suspension was reduced by one game, the Rangers announced at the start of their game against the Athletics.
Francisco’s suspension was reduced to 15 games, which still will carry through the final game of the regular season.
Almanzar began serving his four-game suspension Wednesday night, and will be eligible to return Sunday, the day Brocail, a former Spokane Indians right-hander, will begin his six-game suspension.
Green still undecided on Yom Kippur games
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green will definitely sit out at least one game of a key weekend series against the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, but will wait until today to make his final decision.
With the Dodgers leading the Giants by 1 1/2 games in the N.L. West, Green said there’s a possibility he’ll sit out both Friday night and Saturday afternoon. He planned to talk to his wife and parents before deciding.
“I need another day,” said Green, who has lost sleep over the issue. “I’ve been struggling hard with this.”
Clearing the bases
Chicago Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Sept. 11 because of a strained groin. … Boston shortstop Orlando Cabrera was back in the starting lineup after missing two games to be with his wife, who had surgery in Colombia. The Red Sox did not release information about the surgery.